Srinagar- Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a significant surge in snakebite cases over the past three years, with reported incidents nearly doubling from 636 in 2022 to 1,243 in 2024, according to data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP).
The rising trend is accompanied by an increase in fatalities, with 16 snakebite-related deaths recorded in 2024, up from 13 in the previous year.
Interestingly, Ladakh has remained untouched by this issue, with zero reported snakebite cases or fatalities in the past three years. Experts attribute this to the region’s high-altitude terrain, which lacks a suitable habitat for venomous snakes.
The sharp 95% rise in snakebite cases across J&K has raised concerns about gaps in public awareness, accessibility to timely treatment, and the availability of anti-snake venom, particularly in rural and remote areas.
In response, the Government of India has rolled out several initiatives under the National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAPSE). These measures include specialized training for healthcare workers, improved emergency response systems, ensuring a steady supply of Anti-Snake Venom (ASV) at district and sub-district hospitals, and launching public awareness campaigns through booklets, posters, and regional-language videos to educate communities on snakebite prevention and first-aid response. (inputs from KNO)
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